11 startups, 54 intense hours, one bootcamp to change the world

CCIC Hosts The First Clean-Tech Bootcamp in the Caribbean

The bootcamp which is the brainchild of the CCIC challenged entrepreneurs to develop business ideas geared toward providing solutions to current climate-related issues. Participants not only received the opportunity to learn from top trainers, but they were also guided by expert mentors from various sectors of the Jamaica. Altogether, the event brought together vibrant young entrepreneurs from across the island to pitch their business ideas, form teams and then immerse themselves into creatively driven business development sessions.
The three-day bootcamp was held at the Campus of the University of the West Indies, Kingston on Feb. 26-28, 2016. The Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC)

The Bootcamp kicked off with a “speed-dating” session to creatively break the ice and allowed the entrepreneurs to showcase their creative ideas and zest.Later in the day, the group explored the ideation process, attended a session on pitching strategies, and took part in a team-building activity; this was followed by preliminary pitches round, from which eleven of the most feasible ideas were chosen.

On the second day of the event, the entrepreneurs had access to a pool of mentors who aided each team individually in refining their business concepts, followed by a five-phase process laid out by event trainers which focused on prototype development and business model design.

On Sunday, August 28, eleven teams of exceptional entrepreneurs took the stage to present their final pitches before a panel of judges consisting of international experts and World Bank representatives; with ideas ranging from energy monitoring, aquaculture to a recycling solution using moringa. The judges were impressed by the entrepreneur’s innovative ideas, and deliberations were not an easy feat.

But it was Team 4 “Plug ‘N’Pree” whose energy monitoring solution which also acts as a home security system that took the crown. This event was brave and ambitious as well it was challenging. But the air was filled with enthusiasm, creativity and surges of adrenaline rushes from participants, mentors and volunteers alike and it was truly an unforgettable experience.